asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that licensed fresh meat exporters and their agents operating at fairs in the Midlands are, owing to lack of competition, purchasing fat lambs at prices considerably below that which should obtain here in view of British control prices, and if he will say what measures he proposes to adopt to ensure that fair prices will be paid to producers in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lamb Prices.
Owing to the recent warm weather it was difficult to ensure that fresh meat would arrive in good condition in Great Britain and exporters have suffered losses from time to time through this cause. At least 17 firms are engaged in the export of dressed lamb. These firms buy lambs in competition with each other, with buyers for the supply of meat to the Boroughs of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire, and with local buyers. Now that this shipment of live lambs has been resumed, this additional outlet should ensure that fair prices will be paid.
Is the Minister aware that at a recent fair in Mullingar the representatives of the dead lamb exporters met on a bridge outside the town, that they there combined amongst themselves that they would not bid against each other, and they thereupon entered the fair, divided up the supply of lambs available, and paid what prices they liked for them?
I am not aware of that.
If the particulars of this case are furnished to the Minister, does he think any steps can be taken to deter persons from carrying on such activities and will he consider the desirability of withdrawing licences from persons who entered into a conspiracy to withhold from the producer a fair share of the price realised for the lambs in Great Britain?
I should like, first of all, to investigate the matter.
In view of the fact that these people are taking advantage of the present position, will the Minister consider the advisability of putting representatives of the producers on the committee set up to advise him?
The committee to which the Deputy refers has nothing to do with prices; it has to decide merely on the amount that should be sent to Great Britain a week ahead and it deals also with freights.
Does the Minister not appreciate that representatives of the producers would bring matters of this sort to his attention if and when they occur and, for that reason, they would be very useful?
I do not know that the producers would be any more useful on the committee; as producers they can report the matter directly.
Does the Minister not appreciate that fellows who are on the committee will not bring abuses to the Minister's notice?
Perhaps.
Will the Minister consider the possibility of appointing representatives on the committee to look after the interests of the producers?
I do not see what could be achieved by that.
They would bring abuses of this sort to the notice of the Minister when they occur. The other members of the committee are not likely to report them. Did not representatives of producers on the other committee bring abuses to the Minister's notice?
That committee fixes prices but this committee has nothing to do with fixing prices.
Would the Minister not consider the advisability of getting all the ports open?
That does not arise out of the question.
But with your permission, Sir, may I point out that all kinds of dead meat can be landed in England at the present time and it is the producer who is losing by keeping the ports closed? If the Minister could see his way to get all the ports open he would be doing something of advantage for dealers and for all concerned.
I quite agree.